Cellar Craft Wine kits

[dlopriore]

Is there a difference between kit manufacturers if I do the steps that I'm used to from one kit and not do the steps that current kit is telling me to do. What is the worst that could happen?

 

[Bartman]

The worst? You might void the warranty, I suppose. Since I would have a hard time blaming the manufacturer for my (perceived) screw-ups in the winemaking process, I've never considered exercising the warrant y anyway, so that's not an issue for me.
As a practical matter, the instructions, in substance, vary only a little. Some have you re-hydrate the yeast, while others have you sprinkle it without re-hydrating. Some have you rack from the primary a little earlier than others. Some have you bottle a few days sooner than others. Most of it is timing, so not really much difference, IMHO.

I have made enough kits that I don't usually bother with the instructions unless there is something out of the ordinary (two yeast packets, multiple oak packets, dried wine skins AND f-pack, etc.). So, if you feel you have a good handle on the process, don't sweat the small stuff - make the wine the way you are comfortable, is my advice.

 

[Rocky]

I agree with Bart. Most of the differences that I have seen in kits have to do with time. I don't look at time as much as I look at the chemistry. The time a fermentation takes is subject to a number of variables so in my thinking it is virtually impossible to say "rack in 5 days" or "do x in 10 days." As the old saying goes, experience is a tough teacher because it gives you the test first and then you get the lesson.

 

[cpfan]

Is there a difference between kit manufacturers if I do the steps that I'm used to from one kit and not do the steps that current kit is telling me to do. What is the worst that could happen?

Yes there are a number of different sets of kit instructions. For example, RJ Spagnols has two distinct sets of instructions. I call them the 7 day (primary & secondary) and 14 day (primary only) instructions.

I'm not sure if Mosti Mondiale has different sets of instructions, but I dislike some of what I've heard. I avoid it by not doing their kits.

You are saying that you want to ignore certain steps. Without knowing the kit and the steps involved, it's difficult to answer your question. For example, if you want to omit the sorbate prior to adding some sweetener, then you will probably be upset by renewed fermentation.

EDIT: I just noticed the Cellar Craft in the title. Since I consider the CC instructions to be 'standard', I really really wonder what you want to change.

Steve

 

[tonyt]

Really the only thing I am very careful to follow spesific kit instructions is the clearing steps. Clean rack or dirty rack, order to add chems and so on.

 

[derunner]

How to handle oak is another item. some have oak tea bags to steep and then pour the whole thing into the primary. Others have powder or chips that go in primary or secondary. the basics are pretty similar between the kits, but a quick skim of the instructions is useful.